Let’s Dive into Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 is not your average everyday pipette; it’s a sophisticated piece of laboratory equipment designed for high-throughput, precision liquid handling. Manufactured by Eppendorf, a trusted name in the scientific community, this electronic pipette boasts a 12-channel configuration and a volume range of 0.5-10 µL, making it ideal for tasks like cell-based assays and molecular biology experiments. I remember when I first saw this in the lab. The sleek design and promise of increased efficiency immediately piqued my interest.
My background is in research and development, specifically related to infectious disease diagnostics. Repetitive pipetting tasks were consuming a significant portion of my time, and the accuracy demanded by downstream analysis was paramount. We needed a solution that would improve our throughput while minimizing errors and reducing strain on our team.
Upon unboxing the Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112, my initial impression was of a well-engineered tool. The device felt substantial yet comfortable in hand, and the materials seemed durable and resistant to chemical exposure, crucial in our environment. It was a significant step up from our existing manual pipettes.
Before acquiring the Eppendorf, we were considering the Thermo Scientific Finnpipette F1 Multichannel and the Rainin E4 XLS+ Multichannel. Ultimately, the Eppendorf won out due to its intuitive user interface and reputation for reliability in handling viscous liquids, a common challenge in our assays. The Eppendorf also offered a broader range of automation features.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension. Could this pipette really deliver on its promises of improved efficiency and accuracy? The price was a considerable investment, so it needed to be justified by a tangible improvement in our workflow.
Real-World Testing: Putting Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 in our cell culture lab during a high-throughput screening assay for antiviral compounds. The assay involved dispensing small volumes of different compounds into 96-well plates, a tedious process prone to human error when done manually. The Eppendorf immediately streamlined this process.
The pipette performed admirably even when working with solutions containing serum, a common component of cell culture media. We encountered no clogging or inconsistent dispensing, even in humid conditions, which can affect pipetting accuracy. The electronic operation and pre-set programs significantly reduced the time needed to complete each plate.
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 required minimal adjustment. The intuitive interface allowed us to quickly set volumes, dispensing speeds, and other parameters. There were a couple of initial struggles understanding the programming modes, but Eppendorf’s training videos cleared those up quickly.
After the first use, I was impressed by the consistency and speed of the Eppendorf. There were no unexpected surprises. It performed as advertised and eliminated the repetitive strain associated with manual pipetting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 has proven to be a reliable workhorse in our lab. It consistently delivers accurate volumes, even after hundreds of cycles. The electronic components continue to function flawlessly.
The pipette has held up very well under constant usage. The exterior shows no signs of wear and tear, and the tip ejector still functions smoothly. The Eppendorf requires minimal maintenance beyond regular cleaning.
Cleaning is straightforward; we simply wipe down the exterior with ethanol after each use and autoclave the lower portion of the pipette periodically. This is crucial for maintaining sterility in our cell culture applications. Compared to our old manual pipettes, the Eppendorf has significantly reduced the time and effort required for dispensing. The Eppendorf has helped reduce experimental variation.
Breaking Down the Features of Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112
Specifications
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 is a 12-channel electronic pipette designed for precise dispensing of liquids in the 0.5–10 µL range. It features an accuracy of ±5.0% at 1.0 µL and ±1.0% at 10 µL, with a precision of ±3.0% at 1 µL and ±0.4% at 10 µL. The pipette has a medium grey color.
The volume range is crucial for our work, which often involves dispensing small volumes of reagents into microplates. Accuracy and precision are paramount in ensuring the reliability of our experimental results. The 12-channel configuration drastically reduces the time required for dispensing into multi-well plates.
Performance & Functionality
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 excels at accurately and consistently dispensing small volumes of liquids, significantly improving the throughput of our assays. The electronic operation and programmable features minimize user error. The pipette has numerous user-defined programs.
The strength lies in its accuracy, precision, and ease of use. The only area for potential improvement is the complexity of some of the more advanced programming features, which could be made more intuitive. The Eppendorf meets and exceeds our expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 is constructed from high-quality, durable materials, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in a laboratory environment. It feels well-balanced in hand. The pipette is surprisingly lightweight.
The design is ergonomic and comfortable to hold, even during extended pipetting sessions. The user interface is intuitive, and the electronic operation minimizes fatigue. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering all of its functions, but the intuitive interface makes it relatively easy.
Durability & Maintenance
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 is built to last and has demonstrated excellent durability during our use. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. The pipette requires minimal maintenance.
Cleaning and sterilization are straightforward, ensuring the pipette remains contamination-free. The modular design also allows for easy replacement of worn parts, extending the pipette’s lifespan. The autoclavable lower section simplifies the cleaning process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 comes with a charging stand and a calibration certificate. There are no extensive customization options. The pipette accepts standard pipette tips.
While there are no specific customization options, the pipette is compatible with a wide range of pipette tips from different manufacturers. The Eppendorf website offers a variety of support documents and training videos to maximize the pipette’s functionality. The pipette tips must be chosen carefully to ensure proper sealing and accurate dispensing.
Pros and Cons of Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112
Pros
- High accuracy and precision, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.
- Electronic operation reduces user fatigue and improves dispensing consistency.
- 12-channel configuration significantly increases throughput for multi-well plate assays.
- Intuitive user interface simplifies programming and operation.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability.
Cons
- High price may be a barrier for some labs.
- Advanced programming features can be somewhat complex to master.
Who Should Buy Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112?
This pipette is perfect for research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostic facilities that require high-throughput, accurate, and precise liquid handling in microplate formats. Specifically, cell-based assay labs will get great benefits. It’s an ideal tool for molecular biology, cell culture, and drug discovery applications.
Small labs or those with very limited budgets might find the price prohibitive. Labs that perform mostly single-channel pipetting tasks may not fully realize the benefits of the 12-channel configuration. A high-quality supply of compatible pipette tips is a must-have accessory to ensure optimal performance and accuracy.
Conclusion on Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112
The Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 is a powerful and versatile tool that has significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of our liquid handling processes. It delivers exceptional performance and reliability. The price is justified by the increased throughput and reduced error rates.
I would highly recommend the Eppendorf Pipettor Xplorer 12ch 0.5-10ul 4861000112 to any lab that needs to streamline its microplate-based assays and improve the quality of its results. Invest in this pipette and experience the difference it can make in your lab.